From January 5th to the 19th, a group of twenty-five travelled the southern regions of India as a part of the Patrician Bicentenary Indian Immersion Experience. This twenty-five consisted of two Patricians, staff and students from Patrician-linked schools, and some family and friends.

Brother Philip Mulhall was the tour director and he put many months of preparation into the fourteen days. All who attended the experience commented on how very well prepared they were for the tour and how very well planned it was. Philip left nothing to chance. Of course, as you will read below, he was helped along the way, especially along the way in India, by two other Patricians: Br Jerome Ellens, our Superior General, and Br William, both are Indian Brothers. Both contributed significantly to the success and the good spirit of the tour group.

Following is a report on the experience by Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield, staff member Sue Thomson. Thanks Sue.
Many of us fortunate enough to be on the India Immersion 2008 tour were enriched by the many new experiences we had. Brother Jerome and Brother Willam helped us to understand the differences between ours and India's cultures and how the Indian way of life is very different from ours while, fundamentally, we are all part of one family, God's family, which cares for each and every individual.

The Immersians - minus Br Phil (the photographer no doubt).

We were overwhelmed by the tumultuous welcome we received at St. Patrick's, Adyar, Chennai, and touched by their generosity. We were welcomed into classrooms and had an opportunity to speak with students and staff, which was very informative and enriching.

Peacock dancers and colourfully dressed drummers welcomed us at the Allundur and Patrick Nilayam campus outside Trichy, and a programme with the theme 'Happy Pongal' entertained the student body and us with displays of song and dance central to Tamilians. Again, Indian hospitality shown to us was warm and inclusive. (Photo: The welcome at Chennai: one of the most memorable experiences of the 14 days visually and emotionally. Never to be forgotten. That's Br Jerome to the right and Br Francis to the left.)

Sr. Dr. Rita and her staff showed us around the Holy Family Hansenarium outside Trichy. The facilities care for and support patients with leprosy and tuberculosis, as well as orphans and those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. It was rewarding being able to converse with the men and women, and the children were simultaneously shy, eager to interact and curious. Recovered patients were weaving and cobbling for the benefit of those in the facilities. We hope Sr. Dr. Rita and the staff are able to continue the tremendous work with these people in need. Once again, we were shown generous hospitality. (Photo: Mr Jim Prendergast, REC at Blacktown, tries his hand at being a student in an Indian classroom.)

Students aged from 3 _ (preschoolers) through 8th grade welcomed us warmly at  Patrician Brothers' Angamaly School and put on a vibrant, colourful and energetic display of music and dance. Their interest and enthusiasm were moving! We had an opportunity to socialize with Brother Joseph and his staff and they generously fed us both before and after our departure.

Brother William assisted us throughout the trip with local knowledge, explanations and language difficulties, and his smile was ever ready! He didn't warn us, however, about the thieving monkeys at Bandipur National Park which managed to score some of our boxed lunches! Brother Jerome accompanied us on much of the trip, including the delightful train trip between Mysore and Bangalore. He, too, was a font of information and shared so much of his acquired knowledge and experiences of India with us. Their help was invaluable. (Photo: Br Philip - far left - with Mr Peter Wade, Delany College principal, and wife Vicki, and students Kimberly and John I think.)

Brother Stan kindly showed us around St. Joseph's campus in Ooty before taking us to the Refuge for Men and Women run by the brothers. Despite difficulties which include access and space, this refuge is a positive and heartwarming example of what good work is being done for those in need of life's essentials: housing, food and clothing.

We concluded the trip with a few days in Bangalore soaking up the city's westernized atmosphere and growth which was juxtaposed by humble dwellings and simple lifestyles. Indians everywhere delighted in discussing cricket and the group managed to squeeze in an impromptu game with locals! In this city, as elsewhere, the Indian people were friendly and helpful and contributed to a most enriching and enlightening tour. (Photo: Br Jerome Ellens and teachers Sue Thompson from Fairfield and Geoff Battrass from Delany College.)

Sue Thomson
Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield